From my experience, a lot of businesses get stuck in solving day-to-day problems, and even if they regard themselves as future proof – that’s rarely the case. We need to look beyond the day, the week, even the month and ask ourselves important questions like: What’s the best way going forwards? What’s our path and at what pace do we move – striving towards our long-term goals and vision?
I believe that companies of today need to evaluate the overall effect of their tactical decisions. When we compare ourselves to our competitors it’s easy to get caught up in matching their tactical decisions and offer what they offer. When instead, we should take inspiration from our competitors but create something that rings true to our core business and aligns with our vision. This way we avoid getting stuck in short-term solutions and allow ourselves to become authentic leaders in our field.
As the market grows more “Glocal” by the hour, I´d like to see your business perspective get more “dronie”. Meaning that when a drone gets off the grown – the higher it journeys the bigger the picture. And depending on the view it is able to zoom in on interesting details that you probably wouldn’t have noticed without the higher perspective. This way we can create a culture where we evaluate the tactic decisions in accordance to the overall strategy, making sure we stay on the right path moving towards our vision. Which should be regarded as an incredible advantage point towards competitors.
“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.”
Chinese military strategist Sun Tzus
Staying successful today there is talk about transforming entire organizations by creating a value driven business plan. And as Trend Forecaster Li Edelkoort says, every big corporation should rethink, close down and start over in accordance to the new world.
Being aware of one’s closest competitors is important. And what’s most accessible to study, and for others to copy, is the tactical movement. Meaning that the company’s tactical tools and competitive advantages are the most vulnerable. But most importantly, we need to recognize that the future will not be appearing in the rearview mirror – and that’s where we’re looking when we’re studying our competitors. Instead of following in their footsteps – keep track, learn from them and be just as creative but without compromising with your long-term goals.
What’s harder for a competitor to copycat is the value of the culture and knowledge in your company. Meaning the creative confidence.
But what is creative confidence?
Creative confidence is part of a culture of openness, creativity and courage. It’s where the confidence of the employees brings confidence to the brand. So, how do we implement this kind of culture? What’s important is to allow for individual decision making on every level and to encourage not to do what your told, but to evaluate the situation and propose something better. Don’t be afraid of putting to use the force from the people you already have inhouse.
“The rise of empathy, inclusivity and compassionate humanity”
David Shah
By building a strong value-based culture you have the pre-requisites to create a long-lasting business, keeping your competitors at a safe distance.
Reflections by
Susanne-Kikki
